The Chicago Blackhawks were finally back together on Sunday, opening up a training camp that was long overdue. The faces are familiar, be it the guys who have been here for years or the Rockford players who made a splash in the second half of last season.
Like the way the roster looks? Whether you do or not, its unlikely to change.
Signing and announcing free agents began at 11 p.m. Central Sunday night, two hours after the lockout officially ended. But on Monday general manger Stan Bowman didnt sound like he would be in a dealing mood, at least not right now.
Its possible but its unlikely, said Bowman at a post-practice press conference at the United Center. At this point we feel really strong with the depth we do have. We have to see how it plays out. I certainly like the guys who have been playing in Rockford; theyre in midseason form. Weve got quite a few guys who are ready to play and the other guys have been training as well. Personnel-wise we have the pieces we like.
It wasnt a surprise answer, really. The Blackhawks made a few moves to bolster their defense during the summer months, picking up Sheldon Brookbank and Michal Roszival. Otherwise, outside of swinging for the fences with Zach Parise and inquiring about goaltender Martin Brodeur, they were relatively quiet.
Both Bowman and coach Joel Quenneville were touting their upcoming Rockford talent, and figure they can get what they need from within. Andrew Shaw and Brandon Bollig, who impressed last year, were practicing with the Blackhawks today. So was Marcus Kruger. Three more Rockford playersBrandon Saad, Brandon Pirri and Ryan Stantonwere expected to be here for Tuesdays practice.
Organizationally, our depth is in place, Quenneville said. Up front, there are a number of (Rockford) guys we saw last year that could play on our team today. They could make decisions this week interesting. Weve added depth on the back end that improved the team, we have size and presence back there, and we look forward to that over the course of the season. We feel were strong in a lot of the areas that depth is going to get challenged.
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The season will be starting soon enough. And with its anticipated fast-and-furious pace, the Blackhawks will know right away if they have to do something to alter their roster or not. But for now, theyre content with what they have.
We have to see how it happens when the games start being played, Bowman said Were strong in the different areas Joel referenced. Were excited to see how it looks once we start playing. We want to see what this group can do first.